#turns out he's an ex-not-ex and alex was an extremely dumb boy about what they were doing lmao | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fanficimagery · 3 years

Text

Misery Business pt. II

Imagine moving in with the Molina's after an incident back home. Instead of being angry, you realize this is your second chance to be truly happy and you really hope it goes better than your first attempt.

You can find PART ONE right HERE.

Words: 5.3K Author’s Note: Requested by anonymous who asked for a sequel where Jerry finds out that Y/N met her soulmate. So here ‘ya go! I tried writing angst, but I just.. don’t know how? I hope you still enjoy this though. Also there might be some slight violence in case that’s triggering for anyone.

You've spent months with Luke now and every day with him so far has been absolutely mind blowing. Being with him is exactly like every textbook out there said what having a soulmate is like and you couldn't be happier. But of course not every day was a good day. Fortunately for you though, you and Luke were two people who didn't like being at odds with one another, so more often than not your issues were resolved within hours.

Everything in your and Luke's life seemed to be going smoothly, but after the novelty of finding his soulmate wore off it seemed like Luke's parents were pressuring him to do something with his life other than music. They thought it was a great hobby for him to have, but not something worth pursuing as his main source of income. You could see every little argument wearing on him, and you and your family did your best to cheer him up.

Eventually one of the arguments was bound to take things too far, so you weren't surprised when Luke showed up one night with tears in his eyes and his hands gripping tight to his backpack straps. Tía Rose and tío Ray were kind enough to let Luke stay the night, and you even persuaded them to let him share your bed with promises that there'd be no funny business- you just wanted to be there for him. You weren't surprised that he fell asleep so soon after showering and changing into pajamas, but you were surprised to receive a call just passed one in the morning from his mother.

Having crept out of bed, you walk downstairs to the kitchen to take the call. Mrs. Patterson is very apologetic for calling so late, but she's extremely worried about Luke's whereabouts. You ease her fears by admitting that Luke is with you and then mention that since Spring Break was about to start, that maybe it was best for Luke to stay with you for a little bit. When she remains quiet, you apologize for overstepping but go on to explain that seeing Luke so torn up after every argument with her was very disheartening. You just wanted your soulmate to be carefree again, even if it was only for a week. And then after hearing her sniffle, you feel like you really messed up, but Mrs. Patterson calls you a good soulmate and that she'd drop off a bag of Luke's clothes in the morning.

Then going back up to your room, you crawl back into bed and chuckle when Luke rolls over to pull you in so your back is against his chest. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, you allow yourself to relax and fall asleep in your soulmate's arms.

You're not one to keep secrets from Luke, so come morning you tell him about the phone call you had with his mom. He seemed a little apprehensive when he heard she had called, but quickly relaxed when you went on to tell him that you got her to agree to let him stay there in the Molina household.

"You think Rose and Ray will go for it?"

"Yes." You smile at him, swiping his hair out of his eyes. "They adore you like you're one of their own. Plus it helps they know you've been having issues with your parents, so they'll think it's a good idea you take a breather from them as well."

"Okay. But only if they're good with it."

"They will be."

And sure enough, when the two of you head down to breakfast, tía Rose and tío Ray are all for Luke staying after the latest blowout.

In fact, with the start of Spring Break, you find it hilarious that Alex and Reggie spend as little time as possible at their own homes. Carlos is ecstatic to have the boys to roughhouse with, tía Rose loves having extra hands around the house to help with the yard work, and Julie adores having her band with her so they have all the time in the world to write and have jam sessions.

It's during one of those jam sessions Julie gets you to sing, but you only agreed to it because Luke was determined to duet with you. You picked All Time Low's Remembering Sunday where Luke sang about ninety-nine percent of the song and you came in at the end for about twenty seconds worth of singing, but you put your all into it and stunned your friends. You hadn't known your cousin was recording videos of the session, so you were a little surprised when she told you.

"So remember the other day we were vibing out in the studio, and you and Luke killed it singing Remembering Sunday?"

"Um, yeah."

"Well I might have posted a video or two-"

"Julie!"

"-and it's gone viral."

"What!?"

"I'm sorry! I posted it on my page, Flynn reposted it on the band's page, and well it kind of took off from there." Julie cringes. "Apparently the fans really liked it."

"Ugh." You groan. She chuckles nervously and you eventually sigh when you see she feels really bad about your reaction. "Well I guess it's fine," you say and she starts to slowly relax. You don't know exactly what to say, so you say the first thing that pops into your mind. "So how many think I'm trying to break up the band?"

Julie snorts. "Only a handful. No more than twenty people that we've seen so far. We've told the fans you weren't breaking up the band or joining it, but that you and Luke were soulmates and you were just having fun with us. Some don't believe it."

You shake your head, grinning softly. "People are dumb, but whatevs. Everyone who matters knows the truth and that's enough for me."

With Spring Break coming to a close, it's decided you're going to have a bonfire on the beach the Saturday before returning back to school. You know it's going to be a long night, so you and few others head to the store to stock up on snacks and drinks.

You, Alex, Julie, and tía Rose were the only ones mature enough to tackle the task of shopping, so the four of you piled into the car and left before Reggie could crawl his way into the very back without anyone knowing.

Between the four of you, loading the car with the groceries after shopping was an easy task, but apparently one individual didn't get that memo and figured you needed some help.

A bag that tía Rose picks up unfortunately tears and the cans inside go rolling. She curses in Spanish, which makes you and Julie giggle, but then an all too familiar voice freezes the blood in veins. "Oh no worries, ma'am. I got this."

Julie snorts as her mom giggles, Alex swears softly under his breath, and you're too terrified to look and see one of your fears come to life. But the second your tía starts making small talk, you can't help but look up. You immediately pale. It's Jerry. The same Jerry whose dark hair was tied into a small bun at the back of his head, who wore a distressed band tee, ripped jeans, and dark boots. The same Jerry whose smug little grin once made your heart flutter, but now only makes you feel sick to your stomach.

"Y/N," Alex steps in your line of sight when you can't seem to stop staring. "Hey, are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine." You can feel yourself sway on your feet and the moment all the groceries are in the back, you start towards Julie and her mom. "Tía, it's time to go." You grab at her wrist and start pulling her towards the driver's seat.

"Mija, don't be rude." You spare her a brief glance and she frowns at your expression. "What's wrong?

"Nothing. I just- I don't feel so well. Can we please go?"

"Y/N?" His voice makes your skin crawl and you jerk out of reach when you feel a hand touch your shoulder. "Is that really you? Wow! It's been too long."

His smarmy smile makes your stomach churn, but you have to keep it together. "Not long enough," you retort.

You know your family and Alex are looking at you like you've grown a second head, but tía Rose's expression hardens the moment Jerry chuckles. "I like the feistiness. It suits you."

"I'm sure it does."

Once Rose realizes the tension between you, she calls out for everyone to get in the car so you can head on home. Everyone opens up their respective door, but they're still standing outside the car when Jerry says, "It was nice to see you again, Y/N. I'm sure we'll see one another again real soon."

You scoff. "Don't count on it."

Marching over to your door, you open it up and drop into your seat. The others follow quickly after. You buckle up, your right knee bouncing anxiously as you continuously glance out the window. The car rides are usually loud and filled with off-key singing, but now the music can barely be heard and no one knows how to break the silence.

Finally, not able to take the silence or the stares you can practically feel burning into the side and back of your head any longer, you say, "That guy back there? That was Jerry."

A beat passes and then Julie sharply inhales. "Your ex? The one who pretended-"

"Yep!" You cut her off, breath stuttering as you try to inhale. "Ever since I moved he's been trying to contact me, but I blocked him on everything I could. Why did he- how did he find me?" You ask, voice shaky.

"Oh mija," Rose softly exhales. You turn your head to look at her and she shakes her head. "This isn't okay."

"I know."

"I think you need to talk to the police, especially since he followed you across states."

"Y-Yeah. Okay."

You feel a hand grab your shoulder and you flinch, but you quickly reach up to grab ahold of it. The small, too smooth hand lets you know it's Julie. "I'll call dad and tell him to meet us there."

Rose tells her that's a good idea and then Alex is saying, "Should I tell Luke? This feels like something he'll get pissed at me for, for not telling him."

"Of course," you say, "but tell him I'll call him after. He doesn't need to come down to the police department as well."

It doesn't take Ray long to get to the police department, and when he does he and Rose escort you inside while Julie and Alex stay outside. The female officer who takes your statement is quite appalled to hear that someone would fake soulmate words and is clearly upset to learn that he followed you across state lines, even after you did everything to conceal your location. She completely understands why you're so unsettled, but unfortunately there's not much they can do unless Jerry were to physically harm you or your family. She does, however, file the statement for future reference in case anything involving Jerry were to pop up in the future and it makes you feel a little bit better to know it's all on file.

Once you're free to go, Julie immediately throws herself into your arms when you're back outside. She's sobbing and it takes you a moment to understand what she's saying. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I was just thinking while you were gone and I think he found you because of me- because of the video I posted of you and Luke."

"Jules, no. It's not your fault."

"But it is! If that mega creep stalked my page, some of my posts have the locations tagged."

Oh. So yeah, maybe that is how he found you. You can see everyone else realize the sudden realization you came to as well, but you don't want to make your cousin feel any worse. "Don't even worry about it. You are not responsible for his actions. Okay? This is all on him."

"But-"

"I don't want to hear it," you cut her off, squeezing her just a little bit tighter. "I just want to put this day behind me, go home and put the groceries away, and cuddle with Luke while we brainstorm for our bonfire tomorrow night."

Julie pulls free from the hug, frowning. "You still want to go through with the bonfire after what happened today?"

"Duh." You smile gently at her. "We've been planning this for weeks. I'm not going to let Jerry's sudden appearance ruin our fun."

Julie looks like she's going to argue, but Ray is immediately by her side and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Mija, it's going to be okay. Y/N has all of you on her side and should anything happen we've got the card of the very nice officer who took our statement. It's going to be fine."

When Julie's calmed down, it's time to head home. Alex goes with Ray so he can be dropped off, but Julie goes with you and her mom. The drive is once again silent, but you don't mind it this time around. Though when you pull up to the house, you can't help but sigh at the sight of Luke pacing back and forth on the front porch.

Tía Rose chuckles as she parks. "Go," she tells you. "Julie and I can get the groceries. Go calm your soulmate."

You smile thankfully at her and do as you're told. Then as you're walking up the sidewalk, Luke hops off the porch and makes a beeline for you. He immediately wraps you up in his arms and you don't mind how tight he squeezes you.

"Lets go to the studio," you tell him.

Luke doesn't even bother arguing, he grabbing your hand as soon as he frees you from the hug to pull you towards the studio out back. Then upon entering the studio, Luke shuts the door behind you and drags you over to the couch. "What happened?"

You shrug. "Jerry found me. I don't know how he came across any video I was in, but we think he saw the video of me and you singing. Julie thinks he went through her page and took a chance by going to the location that was tagged in some of her posts."

"Bro, that's so messed up."

"You're telling me," you huff. "Julie feels terrible, but I don't blame her so.."

"Nah. It's not her fault. This dude is seriously screwed in the head." You nod, quietly agreeing. Sighing, you pull your legs up and curl them beside you, and lean into Luke's side. "So what did the police do?"

"Nothing. They can file a report about him following me, but they can't actually do anything unless he physically harms someone." Luke softly swears. "I'm actually kind of scared," you then admit. "I don't know why he's obsessed with me, but he knows I found my real soulmate. What if he does try to do something?"

"I'll kick his goddamn ass if I have to." You quietly chuckle, but Luke presses on. "I'm serious, Y/N. You are my soulmate. I will protect you until my dying breath. That jackass ain't gonna lay a finger on you."

"Have I ever told you how hot I find you when you get angry?"

He chuckles softly. "What?"

"Yeah. So hot," you muse. You glance up at him, lips twitching as you can clearly see how he's torn between finding amusement in your words and reprimanding you to be serious. "I can handle Jerry. Somewhat," you then softly admit. "Please don't do anything that will put you in handcuffs."

He sighs. "No promises."

"Whatever. I'll take what I can get."

Luke finally smiles and he quickly presses a kiss to your forehead. "Have I ever told you how adorable it is to see you going soft for me?"

"Fuck off, Patterson. Now lets go help sort the groceries so we can go pick out our spot on the beach for tomorrow night."

Luke laughs as you stand and tug him up so he can follow you out.

Rose and Ray are a little hesitant to let you leave the following night, but after many reassurances they seem to realize that they're worrying for nothing. Willie shows up in a van and everyone cheers as they readily load up the back, Luke adding in two acoustic guitars for himself and Reggie. Alex automatically claims a seat in the front with Willie and Reggie beats everyone else in rock, paper, scissors to claim the other seat. So you, Luke, Julie, and Flynn sit in the back and try not to fall into each other with Willie's not so excellent driving skills.

You and Alex take on the responsibility of getting the fire going while everyone else situates the coolers of your food and drinks, and rearranges the chairs and blankets. It seems other kids had the same idea as you all because further down there are several other bonfires ready to be lit and every other face seems to be someone from Los Feliz High.

Once the fire is going and the music is just loud enough to be heard by everyone around your fire, Alex and Willie claim the blanket in the sand. You and Luke obviously sit next to one another, and Julie, Flynn, and Reggie stick together to mock the soulmates should anyone get a little too into displaying their affections.

It's a little too cool to take a dip in the water, so everyone makes do by burying Reggie in the sand or dancing around for some laughs. In between food and drinks, there are lip sync battles and originals sung by Julie, Luke, Reggie, and Alex, and it's the most perfect night. Pictures and video are taken, and everyone second guesses posting them, but you wave them off with the excuse that the damage has already been done.

A little after ten, Carrie saunters over and her appearance is enough to make the laughs taper off. You and Luke had stolen the blanket from Alex and Willie, and you were laying down with your head in Luke's lap so you were too comfortable to greet her by sitting up. Flipping her hair over her shoulder, Carrie says, "I knew every girl was just getting their hopes up. You and Luke are obviously still infatuated with one another."

As her words sink in, everyone immediately glances at you and Luke, and you frown at her. "What?"

She rolls her eyes. "There's some guy looking around for you. He's been telling everyone that you're his girl and he was supposed to meet you here."

There's a moment of silence and then, "Carrie, did this guy tell you what his name was?" Your heart stops and you immediately sit up in preparation for her answer.

"He probably did, but I didn't hear it over Alicia and Kaitlin squealing about Luke being single again."

Reggie snorts and you can hear Alex quietly reprimand his friend. "Did he have a man-bun, lots of bracelets on one wrist, skinny jeans, and combat boots?"

Whatever your expression is currently showing as you ask her, it throws Carrie off and you see her own haughty attitude diminish just the slightest. "Yeah. What's going on, Y/N?"

You sharply inhale and then Luke is immediately on his feet, draping an arm around your shoulders. "Come on. We should leave."

"No." Your tone startles him, and even Carrie, but then you look at Luke while softening your voice. "No. I'm not going to run away. He doesn't get to ruin my time with the people I love." A moment passes and then Luke nods, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead. You smile softly up at him before turning to look back at Carrie. "Be honest with me, Wilson. How much does everyone know about why I moved here?"

She shrugs. "By your second day here everyone knew you left your home because some asshole pretended to be your soulmate and like totally stalked you or something." No one says anything and you raise your eyebrows at her, willing her to connect the dots. Her eyes slightly widen as she realizes what you're silently telling her. "It's him, isn't it? The guy asking around about you."

You gulp. "His name is Jerry. I know we're not exactly friends, but do me a favor?" At her silence, you take it as a yes. "Spread the word. No one is to answer his questions and no girl goes off on their own. He's not a good person."

"Of course." She takes out her phone, ready to start sending off text after text. You sigh a little in relief, knowing that everyone will soon know a creep is hanging around. When Carrie glances back up at you, she frowns a little. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was him."

"Don't even worry about it. I didn't exactly tell anyone his name or showed a picture."

Carrie gives you a terse nod before she's straightening up, haughty expression back in place. As soon she takes her leave, everyone is suddenly on their feet surrounding you and Luke.

"What the hell?" Alex mutters. "This is so messed up."

"Am I gonna have to fight?" Flynn asks. "Because I am prepared to go to jail. Someone's just gonna have to bail me out."

Julie frowns. "I don't know about this, guys. I don't have a good feeling. Maybe we should go home."

"Are you kidding me?" Reggie scoffs. "There's one of him and seven of us. We'll be fine."

Willie glances between everyone, shrugging. "I'm down with whatever. If you guys wanna leave, we'll leave. If not, we'll stay."

Luke glances down at you. "What do you say, babe? Stay or go?"

"We stay. Now will everyone lighten up? We only got a couple of hours before beach patrol shuts us down."

Reggie whoops and you can't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. Julie walks up to you then, still looking uneasy. "Are you sure about this? No one will think less of you for wanting to leave."

You flash her a small smile. "I'm not going to let him scare me off. And besides, it's like Reggie said. There's more of us than him. We'll be fine."

Only it wasn't fine. Not really. Because not even half an hour later the ex in question finally finds you.

Alex is the first to notice him, his laughter ceasing immediately as his expression hardens. Willie asks him what's wrong and upon following his line of sight he realizes what's going on. Then slowly but surely, everyone's fun nature disappears as they stand.

Jerry chuckles when you finally meet his gaze. "Told you see we'd see each other again real soon."

You sigh, your hand slipping into Luke's as you see him take a step forward out of the corner of your eye. "What do you want?"

"To catch up," Jerry muses. "You left so quickly and didn't tell me where you were going."

"For obvious reasons, you moron."

"Yeah. Read the room, dude. You're not wanted here," Flynn huffs as she steps up on your other side.

Jerry glances at her and his stare leaves you feeling uncomfortable. So to grab his attention once more, you say, "Go home. I have nothing to say to you."

"Aw," he coos, "but I miss you."

"Well she doesn't miss you." Luke's words draw Jerry's attention and you can see his jaw clench in the firelight.

"Ah, yes. The soulmate," he muses. "Tell me, soulmate, does she purr for you like she did for me?"

Your eyes widen just as there are several sharp inhales behind you and you immediately cling onto Luke's arm. "Luke, no!" Alex is on the other side of Luke, pushing his friend back and when it seems like he's got it under control you let go of his arm and step between him and Jerry. Glaring at his smug expression, you say, "No, Jerry, I don't purr with him like I did with you." He chuckles lowly. "Because unlike you, Luke knows how to get me off which is something you never knew how to do. Not even once."

"Oh fuck. She just murdered him," Flynn giggles.

Jerry's smug expression vanishes the moment everyone starts to giggle and before anyone can blink he's swinging his arm so the back of his hand connects with your cheek.

"You motherfucker!"

You go stumbling and it's only because of Julie and Flynn that you don't fall. When you manage to regain your footing, you locate the boys only to find that Willie and Luke are doing their best to whale on Jerry while Alex and Reggie look on, unsure about stopping the fight or not. Willie lets Luke throw most of the punches, though when Jerry lands one on Luke he's quick to reach in and make sure Jerry doesn't overcome his friend.

"Flynn, call the police department. Ask for Officer Diaz and tell her my name. Tell her Jerry's found me and he attacked me."

"Okay."

"Julie," you then turn towards your little cousin. "Call your mom and dad. They need to be here."

"Okay."

Stumbling towards the boys, you shout, "Stop. Guys, stop!" Alex is quick to come to your side, tucking you under his arm. "Luke!" You then yell.

With his hand fisted in a completely dazed Jerry's shirt, he stops mid-swing and glances at you. "Please stop. Flynn is calling the cops. You can stop now."

He's got a split lip and his body is still taut with anger, but upon seeing your expression he's quick to let Jerry go. Jerry stumbles as he regains his stability, but then Willie is there to make sure he goes nowhere.

As Luke stops right in front of you, he gently cups your face in his hands and his anguished expression makes your heart break. "He hit you."

"I know," you frown, "and he's going to pay for it."

You close your eyes as Luke presses his lips to your forehead, his lips lingering there as he mumbles apology after apology.

"How cute," Jerry chuckles darkly.

"Laugh it up now, asshole," Flynn says. "The cops are on the way."

You and Luke separate just as Jerry spits out a glob of blood, sneering at Luke. "You might have her now, Lukie boy, but how does it feel to know I had her first?"

Luke tries to lunge, but Alex is quick to catch him. Instead you stumble forward, gaze never leaving Jerry's. "Don't look so smug, Jer. You're the pretend soulmate who only had me for not even a fraction of your lifetime. But Luke? Luke gets me over and over and over for the rest of his life." Jerry's expression falters, but before he can think to hit you again it's you who forms a fist and hits him square between the eyes.

"Fuck," he grits out, stumbling into Willie.

"FUCK!" You shout, pain instantly blossoming in your hand. Not even shaking it out helps.

"Hey. Hey, let me see."

"Don't touch it!" You scream at Luke.

He chuckles as he gently grabs a hold of your wrist, running his fingers softly over your knuckles. "I think you might have broken it."

"Worth it."

Jerry tries to struggle some more in order to get away, but Willie and Reggie do a good job of keeping him in place. And if they had failed, he wouldn't have gotten far because Nick and his band of jocks had appeared out of the dark after being led over by Carrie.

Rose and Ray appear first, Ray immediately getting the story from the boys while Rose fusses over you and your bruised face. Then the second red and blue lights start flashing, the crowd disperses and leaves your original group alone with Jerry.

Immediately Jerry tries to spin the tale that your boys jumped him, but fortunately for you Officer Diaz and her partner are the ones taking your statement. They grab yours first and upon seeing your face they take a picture of it to put on file. You ask them about what's going to happen to Luke and Willie for defending you when Jerry attacked, and they unfortunately tell you that they might actually be taken in since they threw the first punch against him.

After a few more statements are taken, Luke and Willie are surprisingly let go with a warning. Turns out Luke hadn't thrown the first punch, he just pushed Jerry away from you, and Jerry went on the attack first. Luke's assault was categorized as self defense and Willie smartly kept his knuckles hidden while mentioning he was only standing by trying to separate the brawling boys. Officiate Diaz and her partner obviously knew it was a load of shit, but they wanted to get Jerry off the streets more than they wanted to arrest Willie for defending his friend.

Then once Jerry is taken away, Ray suggests you all call it a night. He helps put the fire out while Rose helps everyone else load up Willie's van, and then they mention they'll meet you at home. On the way there, Luke calls his parents to let them know what happened and that he'd be back home the following evening in time for school. You can hear his mom express her concern for you and her hopes that you feel better soon, and then she goes on to tell him that she loves him and that she's sorry for their argument. Luke chokes up while he's on the phone, but thankfully everyone else attempts to make small talk to give him a semblance of privacy.

Willie drops off you, Luke, and Julie first, and you apologize for ruining the night.

"Are you kidding me?" Reggie scoffs. "Tonight was wicked fun! You're lucky you already found your soulmate because that punch was hot."

Luke chuckles. "You're an idiot, Reg."

You glance at Willie and he beams at you. "Don't even sweat it. Tonight was totally fun, brawl included. I just hope the charges stick and that jerk doesn't bother you anymore."

"You and me both," you muse. "Now go on. Get out of here and let Alex kiss your knuckles all better."

Alex groans as his soulmate laughs, and the three of you wave at the van as it disappears down the road.

Then as you're walking up the sidewalk leading to the porch, Julie says, "I love you guys, but can we please never get into a public altercation ever again?"

You laugh as you swat at her, only to hiss in pain when you hit her with your injured hand. "Goddamn it that hurt. I think the adrenaline finally faded," you say as you cradle your hand to your chest.

Luke wraps his arm around your shoulders, tucking you into his side. "We'll have Rose check it out and if she thinks you need a doctor, we'll head down to the ER."

"I'm gonna need a cast, I just know it," you mumble.

As the three of you come to a stop on the porch, Julie turns towards you and says, "Maybe next time you'll think about throwing a punch before you actually know how to throw a punch. You're not supposed to tuck your thumb in."

"Yeah? Well maybe you should let me practice on your face!"

"Okay!" Luke laughs, pulling you a step back from a now laughing Julie. "A Y/N in pain is a mean Y/N. Duly noted."

You glare at Julie a little longer before your façade cracks and then you whine as you lean into Luke once more. "Will you hold my hand in the ER?"

"Sure thing, babe. Ready to have Ray and Rose yell at us before they realize your hand might be broken and need medical attention?"

"Nope, but we gotta go inside sometime."

"Together?"

"Together."

"Ugh," Julie scoffs. "You guys are too adorable for your own good."

#julie and the phantoms imagine #julie and the phantoms x reader #jatp x reader #luke patterson x reader #luke patterson #julie and the phantoms #julie molina #alex mercer #reggie peters #flynn #willie #ray molina #rose molina

279 notes · View notes

aeondeug · 2 years

Text

Watching a video about Tenchi Muyo done by a lesbian that had commentary from her wife who grew up with the show was fun and interesting. And has gotten me thinking about how many of the cute boys in the shows I watched or games I played I wasn’t actually into. As a kid I just kind of assumed I was into them, but the reality is that it was more that I wanted to be them. For the express purpose of getting to kiss the cute anime girl.

And with Tenchi that’s like. EXTREMELY apparent. Tenchi is not the kind of guy I’m into, really. He never was. I can’t really think of any childhood memories where I stared at pictures of him and went “Yeah. That’s where it’s at,” like I did with, say, Sesshomaru. Instead my memories are focused on things like Ryoko’s grin or Ryoko’s titty window or Ryoko’s swimsuit or Ryoko’s sitting down cross legged. Or Mihoshi’s stupid ass and the amount of care Kiyone does occasionally take in looking after her. Or that bit where Ryoko and Ayeka are anime shenaniganed into falling in love for a bit because of magic.

Tenchi, Hiro from Lunar 2, Alex from Lunar 1, Heero Yuy, Mai Minase’s dumb ex whose name I can’t recall right now. None of these are boys I actually had a crush on. They were just characters I liked because they got relationships with girls I thought were cute and I wasn’t like. Aware. That that was an option quite yet.

This has also gotten me thinking about .hack//SIGN again and how much the romance between Tsukasa and Subaru ended up meaning to me. I was extremely invested in it from the get go. And then we started getting hints that Tsukasa was a girl actually and the product of an abusive father and being forced to be a son. Which was interesting to me because like my father treated me as a surrogate son until his actual son got old enough to dump me off a cliff. Tsukasa was a relatable moody bitch around that age. And then it was confirmed that yeah no he was actually a she this whole time and also it’s totally fine because turns out Subaru’s still into her. In a way, .hack//SIGN did what I wanted all my games and shows with cute boys I wasn’t actually into did. They made the cute boy turn out to be a girl who the cute girl still wanted to kiss. And all while I was actively learning that this was a possible irl option and dealing with internalized lesbophobia because my friends then were honestly shitty.

Anyway. The cute boys of my youth are a tough time because it’s like I’m sorting through them and going “Yes I liked this one actually” or “Actually I wanted to be him because his girl was cute”. Or you’re Mamoru from Sailor Moon where you’re both. Because Sailor Moon is simply that powerful a series.

#it was a hazel video if anyone cares #hazel's channel in general is a fun thing

3 notes · View notes

brooke0297 · 3 years

Text

Little Songbird (A Julie and the Phantoms Fic)

Part 2 | Masterlist

Hey hey it's me again! I can't stay away from songfics apparently and this one was inspired by the incredible song "Hey Little Songbird" from Hadestown the Musical. If you haven't listened to it before, I highly recommend the whole album. Enjoy!

“Julie?”

Julie sat up straight at the sound of Nick’s distress.

“Nick? What...are you okay?”

“I...I don’t know. I can’t… I’m at this hotel place and my parents aren’t answering and I have no idea where my car is… Julie, I need your help.”

She was already grabbing her purse and heading towards the front door.

“Tell me where you are, Nick. I’m on my way…”

Julie should have probably known something was up. It wasn’t everyday that her former crush and the ex of her ex-best friend called her out of the blue and asked her to come and get him at some sort of hotel in downtown L.A. But Nick had sounded so scared and she hadn’t even thought twice. She had texted her dad, who was out at a shoot late, to tell him a friend needed her help. But the guys had been out all day, and there was no way she could tell Luke that Nick needed her after the stunt he’d pulled at her school all those months ago. She probably should have texted Flynn, but she wasn’t sure what Nick needed and she didn’t want to embarrass him.

All she could think about was getting to him as soon as she could. She knew the bus line would take her straight to the hotel where Nick had called her from and half an hour later she was standing in front of the sprawling white palace of a building. She checked the GPS on her phone one last time to make sure she was in the right place before heading inside.

The grandeur of the ballroom was nothing she’d ever seen before. Not even at her cousin’s wedding at the Four Seasons at the beach. It was all art deco and sparkle and Julie was momentarily dazzled. Then she caught sight of the large sign beside her and her stomach dropped.

The Hollywood Ghost Club.

Dread filled her and she stumbled back in surprise. Her mind was a whirl of confusion, terror and anger. She whipped out her phone and her fingers shook as she attempted to text Flynn.

911. Tell boys I’m at Caleb-

“Hello Julie.”

Julie whirled around and came face to face with a well dressed man in purple velvet. His dark hair was slicked back and his piercing blue eyes were trained on her, his lips upturned in a slight smirk.

Caleb Covington. Julie felt a shiver run down her spine and she pressed what she hoped was send before shoving it into her back pocket.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?” She hoped playing dumb would be enough of a distraction to figure out where Nick was and get them both out. Caleb cocked his head and pursed his lips.

“Oh come now, Julie. Let’s not play games with one another. You know who I am and where you are. I know that you came to help your friend Nick.” He made his way down the stairs and further into the ballroom, turning back to wait for Julie to follow.

Julie hesitated. This was the man who had almost destroyed three of her best friends all in the pursuit of their talent. The boys had warned her that Caleb was capable of seducing one with their heart’s desires and would snatch their souls before they could say “boo.” She unconsciously rubbed her wrist where a few months ago, her boys had had their club stamps. Caleb gave a gentle chuckle.

“I don’t plan on stealing your soul, Miss Molina. You can come down now.”

Julie was taken aback, but followed after him. She took in the elegant stairs and the tables and chairs organized neatly, ready for a show. When she turned back to Caleb, he was sitting at the front center table with a nail file. He looked bored and it stirred something dark in Julie’s chest.

“Where is Nick?” she demanded. Caleb glanced up at her out of the corner of his eye, before looking back down at his nails.

“You see I need to apologize, Miss Molina. I did have to play a little trick on you. Your friend is not here. I would love to chat with you, my dear. I’ve heard plenty about you from the boys of course. But I think you and I should talk about your future.”

“What could my future possibly have to do with you?” Julie spat venomously. Her anger at being tricked was only barely tempered by the relief that Nick was safe and not at the club. “I know what you did to the boys. I saw the pain you put them through. You almost took them away from me.”

Caleb had the decency to place his file on the table before crossing his legs and sitting back to look at her. But his impassive face remained in place.

“I suppose you would think I’m a monster, Miss Molina. But desperate times call for desperate measures. I do hope you’ll accept my apologies on behalf of the boys.”

“I’ll pass.” Julie hissed. Caleb only hummed in acknowledgement.

“What you don’t understand is that you possess a power that no one, not even myself, could ever comprehend. And I was understandably intrigued by it. At first I really did think it was those boys. They were the only ones who I’d met who could be seen by a lifer without my help. So, I invited them to come and visit my club, have a good time and enjoy the company of those who could see and interact with them. The afterlife is extremely lonely at times, Miss Molina.

“And when I found out just how talented they were, I knew I had to offer them the opportunity to perform with me around the world. Where they could be seen not only when they perform, but in the applause as well. They would finally receive the attention and appreciation they deserved.

“I will admit that the stamps were a little premature. I was simply worried I would lose them and their immense talent. But imagine my surprise when they were able to break through my magic. I was baffled, to say the least. And I was curious to see what could have possibly been powerful enough to break my stamp. So I did a little bit of recon and much to my surprise, it wasn’t those foolish boys who held the power. But you.”

Julie had heard a lot of monologuing in the movies from the villain. But this was a whole new world.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything.”

Caleb laughed.

“And you aren’t even aware of the potential you hold! It’s quite hilarious. Nevertheless, Julie Molina, you hold an extremely rare power. And your voice...well that in and of itself is unlocked potential. You break barriers with your abilities.”

“Stop distracting me and tell me why you used Nick. What could he possibly have to do with any of this?” Julie demanded.

“Well, you see I needed to be able to get close to you without those baboons you call friends figuring me out. And poor Nicholas was the...vehicle if you will. He’s completely fine.”

Julie stared at the older ghost in horror. Nick’s odd behavior--the disappearances, the change in attitude, his wanting to hang around exclusively with her and Flynn--made complete sense now. Caleb had used him to get to her and the guys.

“You...you’re…” Julie stammered, disgusted.

“Like I said, he’s completely fine. He won’t even remember most of it and he can get back to his simple, boring life. Now, I brought you here for a reason, Miss Molina. Your talent is being wasted. Plain and simple. With your talent and ambition, you could be a star. You should be a star. I want to help you.”

“Like you helped Luke and Alex and Reggie?” Julie retorted. “How you tricked them into believing your lies and almost destroyed them? Mr. Covington, I can’t be swayed with pretty words and empty promises. I know what lies on the other side. And I want no part of that. I have a band and we will work harder than anyone to make it big. Without your help.”

A part of Julie expected Caleb to fly into a rage and she braced herself for the impact. Despite hearing the stories from Reggie and Alex (Luke refused to dwell on the time when they’d stood her up at the dance and almost missed their Orpheum performance), she didn’t really know what Caleb was capable of. She hadn’t felt her phone vibrate with a response from Flynn. She was caught between hoping the boys would get to her in time, and praying that they stayed away if only to remain out of Caleb’s grasp.

To her surprise, Caleb simply smirked and glided away from her towards the stage.

“‘Pretty words and empty promises’ you say?” he chuckled and Julie trembled slightly. His eyes flashed and suddenly Julie felt like she was frozen.

“I suppose I’ll just have to convince you another way.” The ghost smirked and there was suddenly a slow, melodic tune in the air. Julie looked towards the stage and saw the band shrouded in darkness as the violins sang and Caleb joined.

“Hey, little songbird, give me a song.

I'm a busy man and I can't stay long

I got clients to call, I got orders to fill

I got walls to build, I got riots to quell

And they're giving me hell back in Hades…”

Julie felt the song wash over her and it felt like a blanket on her soul. She blinked back a sudden wave of heaviness and tried to shake herself. It felt like the room had dimmed and her eyes were unfocused. But she felt...relaxed? She tried to remember why she had felt so angry before.

“Hey, little songbird, cat got your tongue?

Always a pity for one so pretty and young.

When poverty comes to clip your wings,

And knock the wind right out of your lungs.

Hey, nobody sings on empty.”

Caleb had moved slowly towards her and Julie felt her feet follow, coming to stand in front of him. She felt drawn to his song. It was like he knew what it felt like to lose her mom. The phantom grief echoed in her chest and she remembered what it felt like to drown in the ocean of pain and listlessness. The loss of music in her life for that short but agonizing time.

“Hey, little songbird, you've got something fine.

You'd shine like a diamond down in the mine.

And the choice is yours if you're willing to choose,

Seeing as you've got nothing to lose

And I could use a canary…”

Caleb beckoned her closer as he circled her and she could feel a haze cloud her mind. She could feel a faint vibration in her body, but she was sure it was the thrill of the music. There was a small part of her that couldn’t understand what was happening. But she was captivated by Caleb's words. It was like when she had first heard Luke’s songs. How she had immediately been drawn to him and how she could feel the fathomless well he drew his inspiration from. She’d once told Flynn that they drew from the same pain. But it was more than that. They were connected, as if by fate, or destiny.

Luke.

The fog cleared for a split second as she remembered her ghost guitarist. He’d be horrified if he could see her, succumbing to Caleb’s charm and she attempted to pull away and run. She could feel the determination flood her veins with adrenaline.

Get to Luke. Where is Luke?

Caleb was suddenly in front of her once again, sensing her distress. He gently hovered his hand in front of her face and began to sing again.

“Hey, little songbird, let me guess:

He's some kind of poet and he's penniless?

Give him your hand, he'll give you his hand-to-mouth.

He'll write you a poem when the power is out.

Hey, why not fly south for the winter?”

The haze descended once again. And Julie swayed with Caleb. He gently took her hand and led her gingerly up towards the piano. She gently sat her down and their gazes locked. Julie smiled mildly and Caleb mirrored it as he tenderly lifted the cover from the glistening black and white keys.

“Hey, little songbird, look all around you.

See how the vipers and vultures surround you?

And they'll take you down, they'll pick you clean,

If you stick around such a desperate scene.

See, people get mean when the chips are down…”

“Play something for me, Julie. Show me and the world where you really belong, my dear.” Caleb smiled widely. Julie nodded blearily and began to place her fingers on the familiar keys.

“JULIE NO!”

Through the haze in her mind, Julie watched as Caleb angrily turned towards the sound. She was suddenly pulled up from the bench and gently shaken. A hand came up to cup her cheek and brush a tendril of hair away from her face.

“Julie! Julie! C’mon wake up. It’s me. It’s Luke!”

Luke. Luke. She got flashes of a brunette with deep, fathomless hazel eyes and a perfect smile. Hands wrapped around a guitar. Soft voice that was softer still when he spoke to her. The feel of a rough brocade suit under her fingers before soft flesh and firm muscle, silk scarf wrapped around a bicep, hands calloused from steel strings. That warm golden glow she felt on the inside reflecting on the outside, encompassing him.

Luke.

“Luke…”

“I’m right here, Julie. I’ve got you.”

The fog wasn’t lifting as quickly as Julie wanted it to. She tried to shake her head and pull out of the tight, but warm embrace. Hands tightened on her arms.

“It’s okay. I’m right here. Come back, Julie. I’ve got you. I’m right here.”

Finally, finally, it was like putting on her glasses first thing in the morning. The sharp clarity and she could see the green and gold flecks in his eyes.

“Luke!” she gasped, as the last few moments rushed back to her. She found herself gripping his arms tighter in fear Luke ducked down to meet her gaze and she could see a mixture of relief and happiness in his eyes.

“I’ve got you.” he reminded her. Julie became more and more aware of her surroundings, realizing the band had disappeared and Caleb was standing down across the floor, glaring in barely contained fury at the sight before him.

Julie was still at the piano where Luke had pulled her up from the bench. Alex hovered nearby, eyes darting between them and Caleb. Reggie had placed himself firmly between Caleb and them, shielding them. His face was twisted into the angriest expression Julie had ever seen him wear. Reggie didn’t get mad as far as she could tell. And yet he stared at Caleb as if daring him to try and get to her through him. In the midst of her terror, she felt a rush of adoration for him and Alex.

Julie turned in Luke’s hold to face Caleb and felt the white hot anger rise up stronger through her. Luke’s hands fell to her wrist, as if checking for the ill-fated purple stamp he’d once worn.

“What did you do to me?” she demanded. Caleb sneered.

“I was simply trying to persuade you. And it seemed to be working. You have doubts, Miss Molina, that even you didn’t realize. You want what I can offer you: the fame, recognition. The glory. But there is something you want just as much as that. And I can give it to you. Only I can give it to you.”

Luke pulled away from Julie and came to stand just behind Reggie’s shoulder. His face was pulled down in rage.

“Don’t you talk to her.” he growled. Reggie shifted menacingly and Alex drifted over quickly to take Luke’s position beside her, reaching for her hand. Caleb chuckled.

“And Luke. You’ve had a taste of what I can offer you, but yet you ran the moment you heard our Miss Molina calling for you. And you don’t even realize you want the same thing!”

“You already tried the whole ‘join my club or die’ thing with us. It didn’t work then and it won’t work now. We will never give you our souls.” Luke finished.

“Even if I can guarantee you would be with Julie forever?”

The words had their desired effect. Luke reeled back as if he’d been slapped and Julie heard Alex’s sharp intake of breath. Reggie’s face melted into bewilderment.

“Wha...what...you…” Luke fumbled. Caleb laughed.

“Isn’t that the crux of this whole thing, boys? You wouldn’t leave Julie and the band. I can make it so everyone wins.” He moved in towards the boys, taking advantage of their shock.

“You would all be together as Julie and the Phantoms. You can make the music you want to forever and forever. You would become one of the most successful bands to ever exist. Your music would reach millions of people. You would become legends.” Caleb turned his eyes to Julie and her grip on Alex’s hand tightened.

“And you, Miss Molina. You have the determination, the drive, and the skill to be a crowning jewel in my collection. But your fear of loss holds you back. You know these boys don’t truly belong to this world. And there will come a day when they won’t be there for you. I can change that future for you. I can make it so that Julie and the Phantoms will live on in infamy. Together.” Suddenly his hands landed squarely on Luke’s shoulders and Julie could see Luke struggle to break free.

“And I could give you the future you dream of, Julie. I can give you Luke. Forever.”

The air in the room felt hypercharged and stifling. Julie felt her heart kick into gear as Luke froze and his wide, hazel eyes met hers in bewilderment. She didn’t know if she wanted to scream, cry, or throw up.

Because Caleb had seen through her like she was made of glass. He had seen her fears of that looming day when her band--her friends--would finally complete their unfinished business and leave her. She had tried not to dwell too long on it, but it was always there gnawing at the back of her mind. And he had seen the most vulnerable parts of her. The parts where Luke’s kind and genuine gaze followed her into her dreams. Where their hands brushing over their song book could actually turn into Luke taking her hand and refusing to let it go. A brush of her hair might lead to him leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, and then finally, maybe…

But Caleb had seen it all. And now she had to look at Luke as he laid her deepest secrets bare.

“It’s quite sad, really.” Caleb continued. “How two people who ‘connect’ so well and ‘draw from the same pain’ could never truly be together. And that duet. Oh Julie it really is a masterpiece. And to think it was all a daydream. You tried to stay away, I applaud you for that, but this one--” He gave Luke a good shake, “--just couldn’t be put off. He’s determined.”

“Enough with the games, Caleb.” It was Alex who spoke. “We’re done here.”

“We would never take a deal with you.” Reggie muttered.

“Wait…”

The boys whipped their heads around to stare at Julie as she stepped out from Alex’s shadow. Caleb’s eyes glinted and Luke looked terrified.

“Julie, what are you doing?” he asked desperately.

“I’m getting answers.” Julie replied curtly. Luke’s eyes were wide and Julie felt a pang at the fear in them.

“Julie don’t!” Reggie begged, moving to block her path to Caleb.

“Julie, you know his promises have conditions,” Alex added. Julie did her best to ignore them and brushed her friends aside to come stand before Caleb. He had finally let go of Luke, who was standing stock still. She stood toe to toe with the older ghost, no trace of fear in her body.

“You do have conditions.” Julie stated plainly. “I assume one of them is my soul.”

She heard a choked sound come from Luke’s direction and Reggie inhaled sharply. Caleb only smirked at her.

“A lady who knows what she wants. You would assume correct, my dear.”

It should have worried Julie how calm she was with being faced with selling her immortal soul to someone who had tried to destroy her bandmates. But something inside of her wanted Caleb’s promises.

She’d thought about death plenty since losing her mom. Growing up, they learned what Heaven was in church and she’d always wondered if it would be as beautiful as they always said it would be. When the boys dropped into her life, she thought about it even more. She found herself wondering what it could possibly be that made her three bandmates remain in limbo for 25 years before dropping into her life at the sound of their C.D. Did her mother really send them to her as a way to heal the gaping wound left in her absence? Was there really a plan set in stone before she was even aware?

The harder question still was something Julie hated to think about. Even more than the idea of dying and leaving her entire world behind. When Luke had mournfully told her all those weeks ago that the boy’s only options were giving into Caleb, total destruction, or crossing over forever, she’d wandered up to her room and let herself entertain the small seed of doubt she’d been putting off.

How long would she have them?

She knew they would one day have to leave her. Flynn had tried to keep her tethered to reality, reminding her they were ghosts that didn’t truly belong to this world. But Julie had let herself live in the moment, with their music and their friendship bringing her back to life. She had put off the idea that there would come a day when her three ghosts would no longer be hers. But Flynn had been right all those months ago. She would lose them either way.

But now, Caleb was giving her door number two. And the selfish part of her wanted to walk right through it with no holds barred.

“Julie! Julie listen to me please!”

Luke’s voice pulled her back to the present. He approached her gently.

“Julie please don’t do this. Think about your family. Your dad, Carlos, Tia Victoria, Flynn. They all need you. You have so much more life to live, Jules. You have so much more music to give.”

“Luke…”

“No please listen, Julie! You have a beautiful life with people who love you and you found music again! You can’t throw that away because you’re scared.”

“I can’t lose anyone else that I love!” Julie cried, tears beginning their descent down her cheeks. She felt like her heart was cracking open and it was too reminiscent of when she lost her mom. She wrapped her arms around her chest to try and hold herself together.

“You won’t!” Luke cried vehemently. His own hazel eyes were shining with tears and his arms were held in front of him, as if to grab Julie and embrace her.

“Yes I will! You’ll all cross over and I’ll just keep losing people I love. This is the only way!” Julie had never felt this kind of hysteria. Why didn’t Luke understand? How could he not see that losing her boys would destroy her?

“No you won’t Julie. I know you. Even if one day we do cross over, we will always be with you. I will always be with you, right here. Right beside you. I couldn’t leave you even if I tried!” His guitar suddenly poofed into his hands and he hurriedly strummed the strings.

“I got a spark in me.

And you’re a part of me.

Now ‘til eternity…”

Julie sniffled, remembering that fateful gig at Eats and Beats. As they’d shared the mic and she’d seen something in Luke’s eyes shift, felt the gravity of the words hit him. They hit her now, equally as powerful. Luke saw the recognition flash in her eyes and he traded eager looks with the boys. Alex and Reggie came around and grabbed Julie’s hands as Luke changed the melody.

“Whatever happens, even if I’m the last standing:

I’ma stand tall! I’ma stand tall!

Whatever happens, even when everything’s down:

I’ma stand tall! I’ma stand tall!

I gotta keep on dreaming cause I gotta catch that feeling!”

Julie squeezed the boy’s hands and joined in on the last lines.

“Whatever happens, even if I’m the last standing

I’ma stand tall! I’ma stand tall!”

She was pulled into the embrace of her three ghost best friends and squeezed tightly.

“We will always be with you Julie.” Reggie whispered in her ear. Julie nodded. She knew they were right. Even if and when they crossed over, there would forever be a Sunset Curve sized piece of her heart that hadn’t been there before.

“As sweet as this is…”

The four of them turned to see Calen yawning dramatically.

“...I’m growing weary of this affectionate distraction. I’ve tried to be nice. I’ve tried to be patient.” At this, his expression darkened and Julie shivered.

“I think it’s time I took matters into my own hands.”

Caleb suddenly lunged forward. The boys jumped forward to stand in front of Julie, but they were suddenly thrown back by the force of one of Caleb’s jolts. Julie cried out, but she was suddenly pulled back into Caleb’s chest with his arms constricting her.

“Caleb! Stop! Don’t hurt her!” Luke begged. Caleb sneered.

“I’m done letting you three get in my way. We’ll see you on the other side, Miss Molina.” Caleb reached across Julie and grabbed her arm at her wrist. Julie closed her eyes, expecting the sting of the stamp and perhaps something else as her soul left her body.

Nothing happened.

Well, more accurately, nothing happened to her. The yelp came from Caleb and he reeled back, releasing her. Julie stumbled into Reggie’s waiting arms as he tugged her away from the older ghost.

“Julie!” the others bellowed.

“I’m...I’m okay!” Julie breathed, focusing on Caleb. She gasped.

Caleb had stumbled away, clutching the hand that he had grabbed her with and Julie was shocked to see it was an angry red. As if he had been burned just by touching her skin. He roared in anger and pain, his steel blue eyes dark with rage. As suddenly as it came, his expression suddenly morphed into shock and fear.

“How? How is this possible?” Caleb shrieked. Reggie suddenly gasped.

“Julie? You’re glowing!” he exclaimed.

Julie glanced down and gasped as she saw the golden hue that radiated off her skin. She twisted and turned her arms and her legs, taking in the shimmer around her. She glanced up to see the boys staring at her in awe.

“What...what is this?” she asked.

“I have no idea, but whatever it is, keep doing it!” Luke cheered. Julie glanced back at Caleb, who was backing away from her in terror.

“You can’t...you shouldn’t...how can this be true?” he was muttering. Julie could feel energy and power running through her veins. She was suddenly reminded of something her mother would always tell her.

“There is nothing more powerful than love, mija. It is the greatest, most beautiful feeling in the world. It will always give you strength. And sharing your love with others will be your greatest power.”

Could it be possible that her mother had been right? Julie thought back to the night of the Orpheum performance, when she had unintentionally saved the boys. She had only been consumed by the idea that she couldn’t let her boys leave her without them knowing how much she loved them. She had collapsed into Luke’s embrace without a second thought and it was only when she realized she hadn’t fallen through him that she’d noticed the golden glow around him. The same glow that surrounded her now.

It clicked for Julie. Caleb ruled by fear and derision. He’d tried to force the boy’s hands by scaring them into taking his deal. But it had been Julie’s love for all three of them that had broken the ties. Love would overpower fear every time.

And the boy’s love saved her. Protected her from Caleb’s stamp and his wrath.

She glanced up to see the same glow, fainter on the boys. Alex looked mildly panicked, Reggie was surprised and Luke…

Luke was looking at her like she was the sun. He was equally bewildered and besotted and if Julie wasn’t internally freaking out about a new supernatural power she had just discovered, she would probably be freaking out about Luke looking at her like that.

With a fresh jolt of power in her veins and the feeling of her boys standing behind her, Julie turned to Caleb. He had backed away from her in fear and was now cowering on the floor.

“You messed with the wrong band,” Julie declared, her voice strong. “And now you will leave all of us alone. My family, my friends, my bandmates, Willie, and me. You will never have my band and you will never have me.”

“You will regret not taking my deal, Julie Molina,” Caleb hissed, “You will lose your precious band and then you will be alone forever.”

“No I won’t. I will always have their love with me. You will be the one alone. You will always seek power you can never have, Caleb. And eventually it will destroy you.” Julie turned from him and faced her boys, a small smile breaking across her face.

“Now let’s go home, boys.”

******

Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what you think!

Read Part 2 HERE

#julie and the phantoms #julie and the phantoms fanfiction #julie and the himbos #jatp #jatp fanfic #julie molina #luke patterson #julie x luke #Alex Mercer #Reggie Peters #caleb covington #b's fanfics

2 notes · View notes

bi-lullaby · 5 years

Text

No one asked

And I should be studying, but here are some thoughts for season 16 so far:

(SPOILER WARNING, OBVIOUSLY)

1 - Merluca and it’s parts: COUPLES FIGHT STOP PREDICTING THE WORST OK. They’ve been completely adorable so far, but this is what someone said in a interview: “This is the after in happy ever after” (or something to that effect). They’re gonna fight and them they’re gonna make up, I hope. As for their fight: They were both in the right imo. Yes, Meredith is being inconsequent and it must be so frustrating for Deluca to A)Have her continue risking her career and license and freedom when he went to such lengths to help that, B) Be crapped on constantly bc of something your girlfriend did. Yes, Meredith is completely right in fighting the system that is so throughtly broken, and yes, coming to apologize to her mentor and longtime friend was completely the right thing to do. I wanna see merluca wedding and marriage! Maybe (since there are two pregnant people in this season already?) next season will be Mer and Jo? One can dream! For them individually: Poor Mer, she has bitten more than she can chew but she is ready to take on this fight! Imma love to see her as auntie mer! I mis merjolex so much tho, I know she’s been busy and all but they seem to forget she is a important part in their support system. Andrew has been all over the place. I love his confidence, but in the ep where he literally screamed at Bailey over her trying to teach an intern? And called her out bc she was using a different material than Mer? I was a bit off-thrown. But he’s still a great character I enjoy watching. Hope they find the balance between confidence and arrogance for him, and develop him even more!

2 - Amelink: AAAAAA. They’re so amazing and perfect and sweet and I wanna hug them both. Link is everything you could wish for, Amy is adorable as ever. If they lay a finger on either them as a couple, them as individuals, or their baby, imma kick some asses. I don’t think they will tho, Amy is been through SO MUCH already and she deserves a breath.

3 - Bailey: OMG SHE IS PREGNANT AAAAAAAA. I’m so happy! Ben is already a great dad, this will be so fun to watch! Hope they don’t put her through the ringer with a difficult pregnancy or a sick child, she does not deserve this! She already nearly lost her first child while giving birth in a bomb-y hospital while her husband had brain surgery NEXT to the bomb. Enough pregnancy drama for a lifetime. As for her actions: I’ve said before: I’m pissed, yes. She’s acting way too harsh and taking it out on people and more importantly (as I’ve touched on in my female grey’s characters ranking post) she’s out of character. Where is the Bailey that went around the hospital runnning after the attendings and kicking their asses into signing her proposal for a free clinic? And gave them a speech on how they had failed her and she needed something to believe in in medicine? She was one of the first characters to point out how broken the system was, to take direct action to try and fix it. Sure, she likes to try and work within the rules as much as possible, much she is not adverse to breaking a few of them if she thinks it’s necessary (hello deactivated HIV inside a young boy’s body without parental consent! Hello changing the date on a surgery which is also insurance fraud!)! If she thinks it’ll save a life! But also, she’s not completely wrong: Meredith did commit a crime, as good as her intentions were; As her boss, firing her was the only logical decision. She thought her hospital (which she dedicated a good half of her life to) was being attacked by someone she trained into the surgeon she is, ofc she’d be mad as all hell. Quadri was disrespectful, not doing her job well, actively getting in the way of her superior doing her job, screaming at her boss in the middle of the hallway about how she didn’t want to work there - firing her was a tad extreme (specially for a charact who has never, herself, had any qualms ahout mouthing off to her own superiors when she didn’t think something was right) but not completely out of nowhere. I hate hate hate how they’ll probs throw a “oh she was being crazy bc pregnancy hormones!” line after seeing how her actions have been badly perceived by people (like there isn’t enough a stereotype that women can’t have positions of power because hormones make them crazy) instead of “hey this character was put in extremely uncomfortable and tough positiona after extremely uncomfortable and tough positions and came off as harsher than necessary while trying to balance a world-class hospital crisis”. Ugh.

4 - Jackson: Ok so the last few eps have rekindled my love for him and I’m relieved! There’s the good, kind, funny and smart guy I like! I was mad bc of the whole Jaggie drama, but hey, shit happens! If they will be better apart, then I’m happy! (Ok 50% of this is because of what he said to levi! Stanning Meredith Grey + dorky Harry Potter reference? Yes!!!!). I hope this season will be kind on him, that he and Vicky work out well (from what I gathered about it, she has also been through a lot) and that we see more Harriet!

5 - Maggie: Baby girl. I love that they’re consistent that she has a jealous streak but is also a very good person who is always trying her best. Plus, official womb secret bearer is the best title omg! Maybe she should change from cardio to obgyn, lol! Plus, the sisters are everything to me! She instantaneous knew Amy was mad! She stood up for Mer! Aaaaa I love them!!!! Hope this show ends with all three of them happy and loved and badass as always!

6 - Others: Tom has been an.... Interesting piece. I love him, but his antics are almost caricature-esque now and it’s getting on my nerves. He was detestable in exploitating that family’s pain but also, the hospital did need a pr boost or it’d be in even hotter waters! The restraining order on Owen was a tad much bc it got in the way of patient care, but also he did get electrocuted in a very sensitive area by someone who had just gotten together with his ex - I’d be a little suspicious that it was 100% unintentional tbh. He’s power drunk and needs to be turned down a notch. Schmit and Nico and adorkable as always and I loved Nico’s speech about demanding more of himself - That’s one of the biggest traps of low self-steem and Imm glad it’s mentioned. I’ll miss Quadri. Helm being a MeredithGrey stan first and person second is still me lol. I loved how this last ep showed how much of a family they are - all the connections and shared pasts and references to relationships and what not. The “bird” storyline was so cute! Pac North seems so promissing and I’ll cry ugly tears when my baby Alex turns that ish around and shows everyone who’s boss!!!! The whole “the world is broken” theme of the season is my jam! Sadly, irl that handful of people are not gonna turn it around, but I want to see it happen on my screen! The medical system being fixed! As a future doctor (I promissed myself I’d not be the person who brings it up in every opportunity but lol here I am) it’d make me so happy! Against my better judgment, I’m liking Towen! They are trying, they’re really trying! Owen has done nothing wrong so far (besides offering to milk teddy which was just dumb, not malicious) and has been great at stepping down from his job so she could work! And him at Pac North will be great tbh - as much as I didlike him, he is an excellent doctor and strategist and he was a great chief at GS (until the last bit which was just gross negligence). From the promo for next ep: I don’t think they’ll make Webber cheat again. It’d be predictable and cheap and I’d be so mad that we’d have another round of acting like he’s a saint with a tiny issue of being a cheater. What I theorize is: He’ll have lunch with his friend, and either A) She’ll be friendly at the wrong time and Catherine will walk in and then think he’s cheating and it’ll be a mess, or B) Gemma is gonna try to get him back to drinking (Or maybe C) She was telling him to stop being bullheaded and fighting with his wife when life is so short). Cristina reference in the text omg, my heart!

Sorry for the long rant!

#grey’s anatomy #greys anatomy #spoiler alert

2 notes · View notes

forthesapphicsonly · 6 years

Text

Back to National City

And finally the part 2 of Maggie x platonic! Reader I know it took me ... sorry. Alex still does not appear in this chapter I wanted to continue, but it would get too big, so there's more to come.

Part 1

"You do what?" You widened your eyes as you stared at the piece of paper in your hands that would change your whole life.

A piece of paper never looked so heavy.

"You're going to take WayneTech's lead in National City" Bruce said nonchalantly, as if he had not just handed over the responsibility of Wayne Enterprises' biggest subsidiary to him.

"Bruce, this is ... this is crazy. I'm only twenty!" You tried to dispel the shock in your features as you turned to face him.

Bruce took a sip of his whiskey, you couldn't read his expression.

"I trained you for five years. You're more than ready "

"But ..." you gasped for air, falling into the chair in front of his desk.

"No 'but'. You still work for me and this is your promotion "

"Dick's better at it. Or Jason ..." you tried to argue otherwise.

When Bruce called you to Wayne Manor, you prepared yourself psychologically for everything. Except that.

You hoped he'd give you a talk and say it was an bad idea to go to National City with Maggie or whatever ...

Don’t hand him Wayne Tech's branch in your hands.

"If you still want to be who you are, you're going to need a job that doesn’t put your identity at risk. You will be in charge. I know it will go well." Bruce got up and walked out of the office, stopping at the door as if wanted to say something but left without a word.

You looked at the papers in hand and sighed heavily leaning back and staring at the ceiling.

You didn’t know how much time had passed, until a glass of tea covered your line of sight.

You accepted the cup and stared at Alfred.

"It's his way of saying he cares." You took a sip while listening to Alfred. "Patron Bruce is extremely proud of you" Alfred concluded.

You gave a small smile behind the cup and got up.

"Thank you, Alfred." You handed the empty cup.

"The boys just arrived if you want to say goodbye"

So okay. You woke up expecting to have a stressful day of shit, but it was actually being the best and most bizarre day ever.

Bruce first appointed him as head of the Wayne Tech division in National City. Then Dick and Jason surprised you and introduced you to your newest uniform (which Tim boasted had given some 'improvements'). Tim also wanted to take you out to eat, but you gave the idea of ordering pizza and then Dick, Jason, Tim, Barbara, Kate, Bruce, Alfred and an annoying Damian were scattered around the room eating.

This was an abnormal scene and certainly not everyday in your life.

But it was a happy day and you returned to Maggie's apartment with a light heart and a heavy feeling already missing.

You didn’t regret your decision, though.

"So, how was your day?" Maggie asked as you left the bench in front of the kitchen counter.

You broke into a big smile and when Maggie saw it, she knew you'd be all right.

Maggie let out a sigh she didn’t know she was holding.

She had just returned from the NCPD's office. She reviewed some of her work colleagues and observed new faces. She found her former boss and counselor. She had been called in to handle the last details of her hiring, meet her new office, receive the documents of her new recruits, and meet the people she would work with and lead from the next morning.

She never thought she could be so nervous.

All day long she was afraid to run into Alex.

Okay, she had just arrived in town. But it was a possibility. Especially when your ex-sister is a super hero flying around.

She still didn’t know how she would react and didn’t know if she was ready.

Then it was a relief when she reached the newest apartment she shared with you and found you lying on the couch with your legs tossed back and your head hanging from the seat.

Maggie laughed softly and approached, nudging your legs and looking around the apartment.

"You didn’t unpack any boxes?" There was no anger in her voice, just a funny affection.

"I went. But then I opened the first one and just looking at her I got tired. Then the change truck called and said they will not be arriving until tomorrow and then I went to the WayneTech building and .." you dumped it all in one breath and dropped the papers you were trying to read from head to toe.

"It's so much paperwork. Being boss is horrible. I should hire someone to do it for me"

"You just started at the company and already want to hire someone to do your paperwork?" Maggie laughed and went to the refrigerator, getting a beer and returning to the sofa, dropping by your side.

"Is not that what the secretaries are for?" You muttered and Maggie rolled her eyes at the boxes scattered around the room.

"We're going to have to work on this if you're going to live with me!" Maggie patted the bottom of your stomach and you writhed, finally sitting down when there was no more blood that could go to your head.

Maggie held you as you wobbled dumb on the couch.

"Hey, I said I would have my own apartment. You who offered me to live with you!" You pointed out accusingly and Maggie gave a false sigh of displeasure.

"It is. And I already regret it"

You threw one of the few couch cushions on her and Maggie laughed.

"No, you don't. You love me" You gave her tongue and stood up, going into the kitchen thinking about what you would do for lunch. You had stocked the refrigerator that was already in the apartment and also some of the dispensing.

"Yeah, I love, kiddo." Maggie let herself relax on the couch, beer forgotten in her hand as she closed her eyes and listened to the soft sound of you in the kitchen.

"How was your day?" You asked as he hunted the pots and utensils in one of the changing boxes and returned to the kitchen.

"Better than I expected" Maggie commented casually, not knowing if she wanted to talk about it.

Thanks to the deities of the universe you understood her enough not to push and change the subject.

"You will do well. You're Maggie fucking Sawyer"

“What do you say, Shadow” Maggie returned using your new superhero name.

It was a new beginning.

Hey guys, the Fandomentary girls are doing a little research on fandom and fan culture. If you can take half a minute to respond, it would help them a lot.

Link: Thanks :D

#supergirl #maggie sawyer #maggie sawyer x reader #DC comics #supergirl imagine #bat family #batman x reader #reader insert #alex danvers #sanvers fix it #maggie is a baby #reader is a baby too #shadow is a new super hero #x reader

96 notes · View notes

ramajmedia · 5 years

Text

Best Movie Directors Of The Decade | Screen Rant

The 2010s have been filled with great films, and these are the best movie directors of the decade. As 2019 draws to a close, it's time to look back upon not just the past decade of movies, but also the people who have been responsible for making them.

This decade has been a fascinating time for movie directors, which has included legendary filmmakers delivering some big efforts, and new stars emerging on the horizon. At the same time, it's become commonplace for these emerging talents to be quickly swooped up by major franchises. The likes of Josh Trank and Colin Trevorrow, for example, all broke through with indies, before being chewed up and spat out by the machine. Others, however, have soared thanks to the likes of Marvel, Star Wars, and DC.

Related: The Most Divisive Movies Of The Decade

We've seen new films from all-time greats such as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, the likes of Steven Soderbergh and Kevin Smith have retired and then returned, and across the board we've seen a number of exciting directors new and old produce some great films from 2010-2019.

Movies: Winter's Bone, Leave No Trace.

There's an eight-year gap between Debra Granik's two movies this decade, and while that's too long for a filmmaker of her sublime talent, it was also worth the wait. With a rare gift for depicting the reality of human struggles, Granik's works can be harrowing at times, but she never leaves you without a veneer of hope as well.

Movies: Bernie, Before Midnight, Boyhood, Everybody Wants Some!!, Last Flag Flying, Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

The volume of Richard Linklater's output means he's had some misses this decade, but that's to be expected when you often take such big swings - and when he hits, they tend to be home runs. His best films, such as Before Midnight and Boyhood, convey an astonishing touch of artistry: that of a director who can make a film feel so real, in both the happiness and the heartache.

Movies: Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig has just a sole film as a director so far, and yet still deserves a place here. That's how stunning a debut Lady Bird is (and also how great Little Women looks). Gerwig's feature film belies her relative inexperience behind the camera, easily blending comedy and emotion for a film that's at times hilarious, at others heartbreaking, and always authentic, with a greater visual style than is often mentioned too.

Related: Film Festival 2019 Preview: 12 Biggest Movies With Oscar Chances

Movies: Biutiful, Birdman, The Revenant.

In the middle of the 2010s, Alejandro G. Iñárritu was the director of the decade, which included him winning back-to-back Best Director Oscars. Operating at the very pinnacle of his craft for a few years, Iñárritu was able to perform some amazing feats of filmmaking, no matter how difficult they might've been to manage.

Movies: Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

Quentin Tarantino has been around long enough now that his style isn't just recognizable, but a genre of its own, yet there's still little better than the real deal. His movies this decade have continued a trend of extreme violence and dialogue no one else can match, but it's his most recent effort that's the most remarkable. In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Tarantino shows a much more mature and even sentimental side, confirming that even this old dog can learn some new tricks.

Movies: Bone Tomahawk, Brawl In Cell Block 99, Dragged Across Concrete.

S. Craig Zahler's movies are defined by violence. Across his movies this decade, he's made films that will make even the hardiest cinephile wince as punches land, limbs bend, and bones crunch. It's explosive, thrilling stuff, but it's also worth noting that Zahler has a great command of story and character, creating gripping tales that are served by those bursts of violence, and is a director who knows how to get the very best out of his actors, including a revelatory turn from Vince Vaughn.

Movies: Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Rian Johnson is a dangerous name to mention on the internet, but even some of Star Wars: The Last Jedi's detractors would admit he's a talented director. Johnson has shown himself capable of making thought-provoking, thrilling, and visually stunning movies, no matter if the budget is $30 million or $200m. With large-scale action combined with his own touches of humor, gorgeous cinematography, and rich in story, character, and themes, Johnson deserves to be acclaimed, not abused.

Related: The Best Movie Endings Of The Decade

Movies: Boy, What We Do In The Shadows, Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok.

From a low-budget vampire mockumentary to a massive MCU blockbuster, Taika Waititi has emerged as one of cinema's most unique - and hilarious - voices this decade. He's able to inject his sense of humor into just about anything, which included making Thor one of Marvel's best characters and most exciting franchises, but even better was Hunt For The Wilderpeople. There, he showed an astonishing and singular talent for taking that humor, but turning it into real emotion at the flick of a switch.

Movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame.

Joe and Anthony Russo started the 2010s known for their work directing sitcoms. They end it as the people who helmed the highest-grossing movie of all-time in Avengers: Endgame. They've become the best and most-reliable directors of the world's biggest movie machine, and doing that takes real skill. They're directors who can stage a thrilling elevator fight sequence, an epic battle featuring dozens of characters, or just an intimate dance scene, and make all equally marvelous.

Movies: The Master, Inherent Vice, Phantom Thread.

Paul Thomas Anderson is another director whose legacy is already guaranteed and speaks for itself, but that doesn't make his work this decade any less worthy of celebration. We're well-acquainted with PTA's filmmaking styles, from his mesmerizing use of music to his constantly probing camera, making each of his movies a work of art. This decade, he's done so in a psychosexual meditation of relationships and love; an acid trip disguised as a film; and in The Master, arguably his best work, one of the great American films of modern times.

Movies: Get Out, Us.

Jordan Peele was well-known for his comedy writing and acting, which has made his turn into the horror director of the moment even more surprising. With Get Out, Peele didn't just make an excellent horror film that blended scares with comedy and a timely message, but what felt like a cultural milestone. Us wasn't quite as successful, but it was the sign of a director with great ambition, expert skill, and who is only going to get even better.

Related: How Us Is A Very Different Film To Get Out

Movies: Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk.

Returning from an eight-year hiatus, Barry Jenkins delivered one of the most talked-about films of the decade with Moonlight (for reasons good and bad). Oscars shenanigans aside, what Moonlight and its follow-up, If Beale Street Could Talk, showed is that Jenkins is one of the most important voices in cinema today: rarely have people of color been shown on screen in ways that mix pain and anguish with such beauty and grace.

Movies: Zero Dark Thirty, Detroit

Kathryn Bigelow hasn't been as busy as you might've hoped on the back of The Hurt Locker, but when she has directed, it's been a reminder of just how incredible she is. In both Zero Dark Thirty and Detroit, Bigelow has shown that she can make tense, taut, politically-charged thrillers that will have you on the edge of your seat as well as, if not better than, just about anyone else in the business.

Movies: Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs.

By now, everyone knows what they're getting from Wes Anderson: his olf-kilter humor paired with his own brand of melancholy, all dressed up in the most gorgeous, fussily designed and perfectly symmetrical sets. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Anderson this decade has become even more, well, Wes Anderson-y, and maintains his unique voice through both live-action and stop-motion animation. The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of his absolute best, and this decade has proved Anderson as a supremely talented filmmaker who doesn't just let us see into his mind and heart, but puts it on glorious display.

Movies: Ex Machina, Annihilation.

Alex Garland made the leap this decade, going from novelist and screenwriter to director of his own films, and it's one he's handled with such skill you'd think he'd been doing it for decades. In both Ex Machina and Annihilation, he's not only shown that he can create jaw-dopping visuals on low-to-mid budgets, but also create cerebral sci-fi films that deftly play with big ideas, don't dumb things down, provide thrills at the time, and refuse to leave your thoughts afterward.

Related: Best Movies Of The Decade (Nominated for Zero Oscars)

Movies: Gravity, Roma.

Alfonso Cuarón doesn't make movies very often: he has just two this decade, and only five this century. But when he does, you can be sure they're pretty damn great. With 2013's Gravity, he made a technical marvel that achieved great things with new technologies. Even better was 2018's Roma, which is not only the best Netflix movie to date, but paired that technical brilliance with a searingly human story, making for his most staggering work so far.

Movies: The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl.

David Fincher is still perhaps best known for his two major works in the 1990s, but his run at the beginning of this decade is a stunner. Across his three movies from 2010-2014, Fincher continued to be a director who can so hauntingly capture the darkest sides of humanity, create mood and mysteries that enrapture us, and do so with meticulous attention to detail that ensures every single shot not only looks great, but is worth analyzing over and over again. Mindhunter has helped fill the gap, but it remains a huge shame that he hasn't directed a movie since 2014.

Movies: Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar, Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan established himself as one of the world's best directors in the 00s, but what's most impressive is that he's kept up those standards while pushing himself even further. Inception is a groundbreaking work of genius, and his subsequent efforts this decade show not only a filmmaker determined to keep on raising the limits of his craft, but marrying that ambition with a greater emotional maturity too. Like Spielberg at his peak, Nolan is now pure event cinema, and doesn't disappoint.

Movies: Whiplash, La La Land, First Man.

Damien Chazelle's still-fledgling career has perhaps been slightly overshadowed by controversies around his films, but what matters is just how special his movies are. Through his three features this decade, Chazelle has proved himself to be a filmmaker who has a serious sense of style and technical brilliance, whether he's creating a Golden Age musical or a massive sci-fi flick. But he's also one of substance too, capturing the pain and glory that comes with so singularly pursuing your dreams, even if they are fools.

Related: Best Animated Movies Of The Decade

Movies: Incendies, Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049.

Denis Villeneuve has had a longer career than most realize, but it's undoubtedly the 2010s where it has skyrocketed. He's been on a remarkable run that just about any director in history would be proud of, and marked himself out as one of this generation's greatest craftsmen, whether it's smaller-scale thrillers or dazzling blockbusters. He can capture the ugliness of humanity, but in the likes of Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 - two of the decade's best films - its beauty too.

Ari Aster

Ryan Coogler

Ava DuVernay

Yorgos Lanthimos

Phil Lord & Chris Miller

Christopher McQuarrie

Martin Scorsese

Edgar Wright

More: The Best Superhero Movie Performances Of The Decade

source https://screenrant.com/best-movie-directors-decade-2010s/

#screenrant

0 notes

ephemeralharmony · 7 years

Note

1-150 answer all the damn questions, bitch

Honestly? Thank you

1.Who was the last person you held hands with? Dennis (from drama club) 2. Are you outgoing or shy? generally outgoing, unless spicy boys are involved 3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? MY BROTHER TOMORROW 4. Are you easy to get along with? I sure hope so 5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you? Probably, I mean he cried when I was in the hospital which might sound a little extreme, but is still a good indicator 6. What kind of people are you attracted to? just boys idk 7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now? lol probably not, but I’ll keep you posted 8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind? Sofia Klug bc she dumb thicc 9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? NOPE LOL 10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? Ryan and Riley after rehearsal 11. What does the most recent text that you sent say? “no" 12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now? “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen, “Can’t Stay Here” by Matt Doyle, “Happy” by Marina, “Right Here” by Alex Wyse, and “No One Else” from the Great Comet 13. Do you like it when people play with your hair? depends on who, in all honesty 14. Do you believe in luck and miracles? I don’t NOT believe 15. What good thing happened this summer? that’s a very good question 16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Y E S 17. Do you think there is life on other planets? of course 18. Do you still talk to your first crush? nope 19. Do you like bubble baths? I love them 20. Do you like your neighbors? they don’t talk to me 21. What are you bad habits? liking shitty boys and sneepsnopping too often 22. Where would you like to travel? literally anywhere 23. Do you have trust issues? kind of 24. Favorite part of your daily routine? sleep 25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with? probably my chest? I still have some stomach muscles and the difference in definition is weird to me 26. What do you do when you wake up? 6:10, generally 27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker? maybe a little darker? 28. Who are you most comfortable around? probably you and Emily 29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up? no lol but one of them told Colin that he would still talk to me 30. Do you ever want to get married? yes  31. If your hair long enough for a pony tail? nope 32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with? RYAN STEELE AND MATT DOYLE 33. Spell your name with your chin. RDNXE (yikes) 34. Do you play sports? What sports? lol 35. Would you rather live without TV or music? I already live without TV 36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them? yeah 37. What do you say during awkward silences? nothing, I like to test them 38. Describe your dream girl/guy? A boy who likes me back  39. What are your favorite stores to shop in? forever 21 and five below 40. What do you want to do after high school? go to school in Chicago  41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? depends on what they did and how they react 42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean? I’m either pissed off or tired 43. Do you smile at strangers? yes! 44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean? Ocean, space scares me a little 45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning? crushing expectations 46. What are you paranoid about? people liking me 47. Have you ever been high? no 48. Have you ever been drunk? no 49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about? I wish 50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore? Royal blue 51. Ever wished you were someone else? not in such terms 52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself? the fact that my legs literally won’t go straight?? 53. Favourite makeup brand? idc 54. Favourite store? see #39 55. Favourite blog? @yourmutualfriends 56. Favourite colour? pale blue 57. Favourite food? just pizza 58. Last thing you ate? cheese sticks from Arby’s 59. First thing you ate this morning? a peanut butter biscuit  60. Ever won a competition? For what? first place for jazz band bois 61. Been suspended/expelled? For what? nope 62. Been arrested? For what? nope 63. Ever been in love? still am, unfortunately 64. Tell us the story of your first kiss? well my first ever was for less than a second in the back of a band room, my first with a guy was the second time I ever met him in the back of a skeezy you movie theater lol 65. Are you hungry right now? no 66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends? no, about the same 67. Facebook or Twitter? Twitter 68. Twitter or Tumblr? tumblr 69. Are you watching tv right now? no 70. Names of your bestfriends? Bee, Emily, Emily 71. Craving something? What? dick tbh 72. What colour are your towels? I use my family’s pink or white ones 72. How many pillows do you sleep with? 2 73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? no 74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have? 30? 75. Favourite animal? Yellow labs (: 76. What colour is your underwear? blue and black plaid 77. Chocolate or Vanilla? vanilla 78. Favourite ice cream flavour? birthday cake 79. What colour shirt are you wearing? gray 80. What colour pants? green 81. Favourite tv show? glee  82. Favourite movie? the perfect wedding 83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2? original  84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street? mean girls  85. Favourite character from Mean Girls? Gretchen. a truly deep character tbh 86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo? Nemo’s mom. true hero 87. First person you talked to today? my dad 88. Last person you talked to today? Alex 89. Name a person you hate? nick pizzino 90. Name a person you love? go into my tags search and look at #3 91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now? not actively 92. In a fight with someone? don’t think so  93. How many sweatpants do you have? like 4 that I actually like to wear 94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have? probably 30 95. Last movie you watched? Bye bye man 96. Favourite actress? Octavia spencer 97. Favourite actor? idk I have a bias for cute boys 98. Do you tan a lot? no 99. Have any pets? no 100. How are you feeling? anticipatory (does that make sense as an answer?) 101. Do you type fast? yeah 102. Do you regret anything from your past? yeah 103. Can you spell well? yeah 104. Do you miss anyone from your past? kind of  105. Ever been to a bonfire party? yeah  106. Ever broken someone’s heart? too many /: I’m taking my karma tho trust me 107. Have you ever been on a horse? no 108. What should you be doing? sleeping 109. Is something irritating you right now? not really 110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt? yeah :/ 111. Do you have trust issues? see #23 112. Who was the last person you cried in front of? Riley 113. What was your childhood nickname? jimmy neutron /: 114. Have you ever been out of your province/state? yeah  115. Do you play the Wii? I wish 116. Are you listening to music right now? no 117. Do you like chicken noodle soup? yeah 118. Do you like Chinese food? no 119. Favourite book? DONT LET ME GO JH TRUMBLE 120. Are you afraid of the dark? Y E S 121. Are you mean? I can be a bitch 122. Is cheating ever okay? NO JESUS BE FUCKING LUCKY SOMEONE ACTUALLY WANTS YOU, DONT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT, ASSHOLE 123. Can you keep white shoes clean? for a while 124. Do you believe in love at first sight? not 100% 125. Do you believe in true love? I believe in true loves 126. Are you currently bored? not actively 127. What makes you happy? music 128. Would you change your name? maybe to Jake, that’s kind of sexy 129. What your zodiac sign? Aquarius 130. Do you like subway? hell yeah bois 131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? apologize 132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? see #10 133. Favourite lyrics right now? “someday I’ll reach the place where I won’t have to run. there, I won’t be afraid to say that I am done.” 134. Can you count to one million? I don’t have the patience 135. Dumbest lie you ever told? I’m straight  136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed? closed 137. How tall are you? 5'4" 138. Curly or Straight hair? mine is just wavy but I like curly 139. Brunette or Blonde? brunette 140. Summer or Winter? summer 141. Night or Day? night 142. Favourite month? October 143. Are you a vegetarian? nope 144. Dark, milk or white chocolate? dark 145. Tea or Coffee? tea 146. Was today a good day? YES 147. Mars or Snickers? snickers  148. What’s your favourite quote? “Happiness can always be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light” 149. Do you believe in ghosts? yes 150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line “Do not take no for an answer.”

5 notes · View notes

emerysocs · 4 years

Text

edit 4/18/2020: haven’t discussed any edits in years. everything has changed drastically and i’m still in the process of updating everyone’s sheets. many new character editions: hell squad itself has grown as a whole. i’ll delete the “supporting roles” section-- everyone is equal parts important now and all have their own stories going on while still being tied to each other in one way or another. all co-exist with some of jonah’s ocs, all of which will be labelled below.

the owens’ family has grown drastically while also shrinking: i might re-purpose mel in the future but for now she’s got nothing to do with the owens’ story anymore. her sheet will stay up as a page, but i’ll remove the link from the directory. the boys have two new sisters (astrid and lia) and now a step-dad (sean) too! very exciting. jade’s also a lot less of a piece of shit. any writing done in 2016-2017 is pretty much irrelevant. drugs still make him act out, but only in the way of saying shit he doesn’t mean. i’m eliminating physical abuse from jasper’s story altogether, save the verses where he winds up with seth long-term.

seth will not get a sheet, but his full name is seth bennett. i simply do not want to develop him any more than jasper’s bf/ex-bf.

the marshells are also getting a big change: we’re going back to our roots today. this is something i decided literally 5 minutes ago, but i’m changing their last name back to monroe. marshell has a nice ring, but i’m cheesy and i want to keep their inspiration not just in the back of my mind as a relic, but in everyone’s face directly because i am a whore. i’ve toyed with different ideas for backstory for the girls for a long time, but finally i’ve settled on a house fire in middle school that april and hazel are caught in due to their parents’ neglect. for a detailed version, it’s now listed on their sheets. no more break-in/burglary. also, the monroes no longer live next to the owens-- hazel and jasper meet through theater in high school and jade and april meet through the two of them as usual. hazel’s pronouns have changed slightly since the last edit post-- they and she are both acceptable to use. i’m leaving them listed as nonbinary because they are, but they present feminine 80% of the time so it doesn’t make sense for them to get angry about being “misgendered” any time past high school. hazel’s also a canon tumblr kinnie throughout high school. as a fun fact. april hasn’t changed that much because honestly she was never extremely developed in the first place. she’s still gorgeous and popular and a sweetheart that no one really has any ill will towards. oh actually now that i think about it, she has a scene phase. minor change, but it explains why she likes jade so much and also how she dabbles in drugs here and there.

neph is probably the biggest addition, because with her comes alex also. god i don’t even know where to start with what’s changed about her. her sheet is actually the original sheet she started with, so i think hers might take priority. alex was initially named josh and he died in a car accident next to neph in her very early days. she was originally created with the intent of being a poet (hence her name nephley, meaning faerie of words). somewhere (not sure where really) i decided i wanted to make her a super well trained figure skater and abandoned the poetry side of her. before that changed, josh was renamed to alex (between aiden’s stepdad and updating evan’s middle name to joshua it made more sense) and his cause of death changed from a car accident to suicide while she was competing. her backstory’s been the same since about 2018. she’s jade’s ex but stays tied to the story most of the time as a friend of both abby and ari (jonah’s) after alex dies.

alex is more fleshed out than just neph’s dead best friend as well. he grows up an only child with an abusive mother, turns to drugs/alcohol at a young age and gets progressively more depressed. he’s close with ari, azi (jonah’s) and lydia by extension and basically all they do together is drugs. he doesn’t let neph come over when he’s with them because he knows she has potential to be great and refuses to ruin her. ironically enough, by dying he does exactly that. only sometimes he doesn’t actually die, he simply fakes his death to run away with his mermaid boyfriend.

as for lydia, she’s the newest actual* addition to hell squad and pretty much only has ties to ari, alex and jasper by extension there. she’s a scene furry who loves to rave. she’s popular on deviantart with her art (tag tbd) and basically uses commissions as a main source of income. when she moves in with her high school boyfriend (originally named logan but i’m renaming him hunter because i feel like it) she does pick up a job at mcdonald’s briefly, but struggles hard with body image and has an awful relationship with food and eventually she gets hired at spencer’s with her friend james (jonah’s). he takes her in when she and hunter break up (he’s cheating on her) and she isn’t sure where to go. they end up dating in the end.

*emmett is really the newest addition, but he isn’t usually involved in the group. he lives in the same town as russ (jonah’s), jade’s end-game boyfriend in most verses. he’s a jock werewolf, really sweet and defensive of his pack and big. lowkey i think i subconsciously based him off zeke from high school musical. he plays football and soccer and loves to bake. he initially started as a reincarnation of jasper (hence the baking) but i fell in love with his dumb ass so much so that i decided to keep him as his own character. occasionally he does cross paths with abby and befriends him also. he’s fairly religious.

on the subject of supernatural creatures, riley and evan have made some pretty drastic changes as well: riley himself is more developed, but when i created evan in 2015 he was supposed to be fiery. he’s a baby now. he’s built to be a trophy husband and he simply likes minecraft and to get drunk at holidays. riley took all of evan’s fire-- he would also die for his family and he proves it when he goes to juvie for putting a kid in a coma after hearing him call evan a f*ggot. they’re modern-aged vampires now with a nuclear family. josephine and adam have been introduced as their parents and while previously they would always be on business trips or lived in europe, they simply parent their kids. josephine (josie for short) is best friends with abby’s mother, teresa (jonah’s), explaining abby and evan’s friendship from childhood. teresa and josephine befriend joanna when she moves into town and everyone takes the loss hard-- when there is one. which is only sometimes at this point. the favors, the owens, and the wickfields (jonah’s) are their own mega-family basically. they all celebrate holidays together.

holly and sage whitney are the last updates: holly and quinn (jonah’s) remain friends since childhood since holly used to dance with him. in high school, holly gets a job at starbucks and becomes friends with abby. through abby, she meets azi and they fall in love and live a pretty normal life. sage’s only change is that she’s friends with astrid and lia, the owens’ little sisters. i rarely touch sage anymore because she’s younger than the main age group.

i THINK that covers all of the updates made in the past two years. i’ll try to keep up more with major updates from here on out, but with the amount of aus we create, it does get hard to keep track. i tried to keep everything on one timeline for the sake of this post but there is the occasional “sometimes” listed. this took me 4 hours! :D

#hell #ocs

0 notes

theconservativebrief · 6 years

Link

Gettin’ the Band Together, now playing on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre, is an original musical about a down-and-out stockbroker who gets his high school band back together in time to face off against his old rival in his New Jersey hometown’s Battle of the Bands.

That’s it. That’s the whole show. On paper, it sounds pretty boring: a stockbroker? An all-dude rock band? From Jersey? Is this really what the world needs in 2018?

But I suspected there must have been some reason that in this age of high-glitz adaptations of movies and other blockbusters, this unassuming original rock musical had struggled its way from a small-town Jersey stage to Broadway, and so I set out for the Belasco hoping to find magic and wisdom and a reflection of the self, or at the very least a fun evening.

The onstage story of Gettin’ the Band Back Together is a basic battle of good and evil — of following dreams versus settling for mundanity — playing out in song and dance. As a fellow theatergoer who’d already seen the show described it, it’s basically the movie Dodgeball but with rock music. And that’s not a bad thing, unless you hate fun.

Gettin’ the Band Back Together is a warm, infectious delight. Yes, it’s true that the show has been prominently panned because its shamelessly tropey plot is packed with dorky, improv-style humor that constantly pelts you with silly jokes, visual gags, cheesy puns, physical comedy, and references to other rock musicals. But it works anyway, because it’s performed with deep joy, it’s extremely well-sung, and it’s delivered with charm by an ensemble having the time of their lives. If you let all of these things speak to you, as you should, then at some point during the performance, you will inevitably reach that wonderful moment where you are laughing purely because you are laughing.

It’s this feeling that illustrates what ultimately made a lasting impression on me as I alternately laughed and cringed my way through the show: not the onstage battle between bands, but an offstage one. The musical that Gettin’ the Band Back Together is trying to be is distinctly at odds with the current Broadway culture — embodied by an unmoved audience at the performance I attended — that unfairly expects it to be something more.

The truth is that Gettin’ the Band Back Together is a delightful show. But even if it weren’t, I would be writing this review with my heart on my sleeve to tell you all to go see it, because it’s one of those musicals that earnestly strives to be exactly what it is: a good-hearted, shamelessly self-indulgent trope factory built on fun and silliness. And in this age of problematic faves and anxiety-laden media consumption, this show, practically wholesome in its throwback juvenilia, is the rare offering that isn’t going to make you feel bad for liking it — even though it’s inane.

In that spirit, it’s reminiscent of another recent tropey, heartwarming cultural offering: Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. On some level, Gettin’ the Band Back Together is the movie’s Broadway equivalent — a sort of To All the Bands (or Least Rock Musicals) I’ve Loved Before. So what if its storyline is familiar? So what if it openly embraces every clichéd tale of down-and-out has-beens getting their groove back? Just like To All the Boys, its execution is solid, and its cast is charismatic. In essence, it’s a “cheesy cover band” equivalent of a rock musical. And that’s perfectly fine; after all, there’s a reason people love cheesy cover bands.

Put another way, Gettin’ the Band Back Together is one giant dad joke, if your dad were still a kid at heart, and that kid was a giant Nickelodeon fan who never got over Ren and Stimpy going downhill after season two, who secretly cried when My So-Called Life ended before Angela and Brian got together, who definitely got drunk at Bonnaroo and wrote “fuck Nickelback” on a fence while stoned; someone who, in adulthood, probably owns a Blu-ray of Drumline because he wants to be close to that movie in a physical way; someone who just wants his kid to be happy and kind and motivated by love rather than by a capitalist reading of the American dream.

The show sports a decently catchy, fun score by Mark Allen, making his Broadway debut. The cast — led by the charmingly winsome Mitchell Jarvis as Mitch, our stockbroker-cum-band reuniter, lover, dreamer, and Alex Brightman impersonator — performs it with loud conviction. But the real star of Gettin’ the Band Back Together is the book, which comes to us via veteran producer Ken Davenport and the improv comedy troupe Grundleshotz, in a literal “Hey, gang! Let’s put on a show!” process. (Among the Grundleshotz improv performers is Jay Klaitz, who doubles as Mitch’s MILF-obsessed, stoner best friend Bart.)

Grundleshotz, Davenport, and Allen have infused Gettin’ the Band Back Together with so much energy that it leaks out of the stage at random moments, punctuating an endless stream of jokes that succeed due to the sheer enthusiasm and dedication of the show’s cast, and to their own shameless silliness.

Writing down the jokes can’t translate their onstage effectiveness as a litany of Dadaist dork humor, but here are a few: There’s a dead cat. There’s a “nuns and roses” quip. There’s an R&B singer who turns love songs into domestic disputes. There’s a character whose only purpose in life is to take selfies. There’s a spray-tanned villain who drives a Pontiac Solstice and just wants to be loved. There’s a love ballad composed entirely of bad puns about police. There’s a running “your mom” gag. There’s every kind of New Jersey in-joke you can wedge into a two-hour running time. There’s a one-liner that’s such a cute, absurdist mix of juvenile humor and randomness that it literally stops the show.

I should repeat that: The songs are solid and fun, but it’s the jokes, not the songs, that you’ll remember.

Taken on their own, the jokes in Gettin’ the Band Back Together are nothing unique or exhilarating, but they work because the cast is so committed to selling them. In fact, I have rarely seen a more committed, joyous ensemble work so hard to win over a dead audience than I did during my Thursday night show. I’ve never seen a cast sing their hearts out with more glee and vibrance in the face of a crowd that clearly rejected the kind of show they were attending. Thank god for my seatmates Tyler and Bradley, who were there to see the show for the second time in a week, and who were living for Gettin’ the Band Back Together the way only we queer Broadway fans living through the homophobic cake years can.

“This is the kind of show I can take my Trump-voting brother to and we’ll bond over it,” Tyler told me before the show started.

“I cried,” Bradley added.

“It’s so dumb,” Tyler gushed to me at intermission. “It’s so dumb, isn’t it amazing?”

This show is so dumb, and it is amazing. It is so funny, so soft and joyous, that during intermission, I texted a friend who refused to come see it with me solely to upbraid her for her mistake. Meanwhile, my betrayer audience sat unmoved by the endless adorkable hilarity playing out in front of them. And every second that the sea of unenthused faces around me refused to be swept along by the ebullient hopes and dreams of a bunch of New Jersey ’90s kids who just wanted to have fun again, I resented not only them but the modern theater industry itself.

After all, only Broadway could build an American musical legacy out of exploiting camp for its cultural mileage, and yet somehow wind up increasingly abandoning ironic forms of entertainment — including “so bad it’s good” enjoyment.

In recent years, Broadway has conditioned audiences to expect either high-budget remakes with canned messages and blatant crowd-pandering (last season’s Spongebob comes to mind) or high-budget sophistication à la Dear Evan Hansen. Hell, even Gettin’ the Band Back Together, with its crop of references to aging rock artists, was designed to appeal to a certain crowd of baby boomers, to its detriment and their apathy.

But at heart, this isn’t a musical for boomers; instead, it represents and caters to the kind of media-savvy fan who fully embraces absurdity and silliness in their pop culture (the sillier, the better). As such, Gettin’ the Band Back Together desperately needs a younger audience, or at least a better older one.

Who were these people sitting around me who refused to show any enthusiasm for a stellar ensemble that served up some of the strongest group vocals I’ve heard since Evan Hansen? Who were these people who sat largely unmoved while our band of heroes rocked a bar mitzvah, reminisced about the roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure, and overcame numerous trials and obstacles to not only find love and happiness but receive a deus ex machina from none other than a fictional version of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry?

As it happened, a good portion of my fellow audience members had apparently come to see Gettin’ the Band Back Together because they’d received comped or discounted tickets as part of Broadway deal websites like Show Score. Through these kinds of watch-and-rate deals, some theatergoers — thanks to retirement, or sheer determination — are able to see upward of five shows a week.

That’s great for them, and ostensibly it should be good for shows that open in the summer, like this one. Late-summer Broadway openings tend to be rare for New York, because the tourist crowd doesn’t gravitate toward new releases that don’t already have strong buzz; you need New Yorkers to see those shows, and in August, they’re often away.

So these websites help fill seats during the offseason, which is a win. But it’s easy to see how they can hurt shows like this one, which wind up being viewed by an assembly line of people looking for deals first and feels second. It struck me that while teenage audiences were being encouraged, off-Broadway, to Be More Chill, on 44th Street, the cast of Gettin’ the Band Back Together was pleading with their older, middle-class audience to be less chill. And, miracle of miracles, eventually the audience at my show thawed out; gradually, more and more of them seemed to open their hearts to the silliness and sincerity of this show, its complete lack of irony and pretense, its sheer eagerness to make you laugh.

But they couldn’t have done it without my dudes Bradley and Tyler, whose constant laughter kept the orchestra section on life support all night. Late in the third act, veteran Marilu Henner, who plays Mitch’s mom with brassy warmth, came halfway up the aisle just to film the two of them — cast members breaking the fourth wall to film the audience is not an infrequent practice on Broadway these days, but rarely is it done with such specificity — as they lost their minds over the big finale number, when Mitch and the band finally play the Battle of the Bands. It’s exciting!

I was happy for them both, these pure-hearted theater lovers receiving a pure-hearted musical blessing, and feeding all their love and energy back to this hard-working, earnest cast. That is what we come to the theater for. That is Broadway at its core, stripped of size and massive budgets and pretension, until all that remains is love and communion.

At intermission, I’d overheard one of the comped five-show-a-week people say, with a shrug, “Maybe it’ll run for a few weeks.”

Fuck that.

Go see Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Enter with love and leave with laughter. May it, and all the other plucky, misunderstood musicals of its ilk, run forever.

Original Source -> Why critics are scorning new rock musical Gettin’ the Band Back Together — and why it deserves your love

via The Conservative Brief

#IFTTT #The Conservative Brief

0 notes